Bangkok, 22 May, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to announce that Thailand has been named as the host country for the 19th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA Awards), which is scheduled to be held in Bangkok from 22-24 June, 2018.
This makes the second time the Thai capital plays host to the biggest celebration of Indian cinema, having hosted the 9th IIFA Awards on 8 June, 2008.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “India is one of Thailand’s important sources of visitor markets. Being named as the host country for the glitzy and glamorous IIFA Awards for the second time reiterates Thailand’s positioning as the preferred destination among Indian travellers.”
Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFAs, made the official announcement at a press conference held in New Delhi on 17 May, 2018. Making the appearances to confirm Bangkok as the host city for this June’s star-studded weekend included Bollywood bigwigs Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Dia Mirza, Shahid Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan.
[su_slider source=”media: 55237,55255,55257″ link=”image” target=”blank” width=”660″ height=”440″]Andre Timmins, Director of Wizcraft International, said: “We are pleased to be taking IIFA back to Bangkok after 10 years. IIFA has grown over this decade, and we are excited to celebrate the grandeur and excitement in ‘Amazing Thailand’. Vibrant Bangkok is the perfect host to welcome and embrace the spirit of Bollywood like no other and it’s a pleasure to see Thailand welcome IIFA with open arms for the second time.”
Ranbir Kapoor said he won the best debutante award at IIFA 2008 in Bangkok and was eager to connect with his fans at the 2018 IIFA Weekend and Awards. Shahid Kapoor added that he was thrilled to be performing at the spectacular awards night in Bangkok while Kartik Aaryan revealed that he was excited to debut as a host at the IIFA Rocks this year.
Mr. Isra Stapanaseth, Director of the TAT New Delhi Office, said: “IIFA 2018 will prove to be beneficial for the publicity of Thailand’s tourism industry, which will contribute to enhancing the positive image of the country and attract Indian tourists by showcasing a variety of tourism products Thailand has to offer. The event also corresponds with TAT’s directions to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for Indian travellers.”
In 2017, Thailand welcomed 1.4 million visitor arrivals from India, up 18 per cent over 2016, generating 62.40 billion Baht in tourism income. The growth momentum is expected to continue through 2018, with the first four months already recording a 17 per cent increase to 481,573 arrivals (China and India led the growth in January-April visitor arrivals to Thailand).
For 2018, the TAT offices in Mumbai and New Delhi are working with partners and tour operators to promote Amazing Thailand to specific segments including luxury travel, weddings and honeymooners, female travellers, and families as well as students and newly working women.
TAT launched the Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing concept in India in February and organised a Mega Fam Trip for leading members of India’s travel trade and media to Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat in April.
